Bike Florida 2012
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s included with the registration fee?
A: Your choice of indoor gym or outdoor camping, shower truck at overnight sites, event T-shirt, cue sheets & maps, GPS bike routes, online bike routes, SAG support, luggage support, evening entertainment, mechanical support, daily rest stops (light snacks, water and Gatorade) and marked cycling route.
Q: What about bike safety?
A: Your safety on the tour is the upmost importance to us. Bicycles are considered vehicles in Florida and with that comes the responsibility of knowing and abiding by the Rules of the Road. Registered participants will receive a DVD filled with route and riding skills information. Additional bike safety information may also be found at the Florida Bicycle Association web site.
Q: What type of bike should you use on the tour?
A: Whichever bike feels comfortable. Keep in mind that you will probably be on your bike between 5-6 hours each day. So choose a bike that fits you well and doesn’t cause pain. If you are unsure your bike fits you correctly, check with your local bike shop for a bike fit. Get yourself and your bike in good working shape prior to the tour, do what you have to do in advance to enjoy the ride!
Q: How do I register for the tour?
A: You can register for the tour 3 ways:
1) Use the fast and easy credit card online registration or
2) Print out a paper registration form from the website and send us a check or
3) Email us at registration@bikeflorida.org or call us at 352-224-8602 and we will send a registration form to you.
Q: What activities are planned for the evenings?
A: Entertainment may include live music, street party, movies and more!
Q: Is there any written information regarding the 2012 Bike Florida event?
A: Yes. A Rider’s Handbook will be mailed to all registered participants prior to the tour in addition to a DVD of event highlights. This will compliment the information on the Website.
Q: Do we actually start cycling on March 24th or is that just a registration day?
A: There are local rides in the Tallahassee area that participants can enjoy throughout the day on Saturday, March 24th once they arrive and register.
Q: Are there any airport shuttles?
A: We have arranged for limited shuttle service to and from the airport on Saturday, March 24th. Send your itinerary to Ken@bikeflorida.org and we’ll do our best to get you picked up in a timely manner. We’ll also have extra taxi cabs on hand to get you to the fairgrounds. Many of our host hotels offer shuttles services from the airport and possibly to the fairgrounds, be sure to ask your hotel when you book your room.
Q: Where can one ship their bike to?
A: Sunshine Cycles is our preferred ship to bike shop. They are offering a great build price. Check out the Bicycle Shipping/Rentals page on our web site for more information. Oh, and Bike Florida has storage space for your bike box at the fair grounds.
Q: How can we get Florida's Share the Road specialty license plate?
A: The license plate is available for purchase at your local tag office. You must have a vehicle registered in Florida to obtain one. All proceeds from the tag go to safe cycling education throughout the state of Florida. If you do not have a car registered in the state of Florida, you can also make a donation to Bike Florida on your registration form. All proceeds go to supporting safe cycling in the state.
Q: What does the 2012 jersey look like?
A: The design is posted on the “Jersey Image” tab on the left-hand toolbar, under 2012 Links. You may pre-purchase your jersey for $65 with registration, or buy on-site for $75.
Q: What is the estimated biking distance each day?
A: Daily distances range from 40-65 miles with a Century Option on Day 3 Quincy to Wewahitchka. The Day 3 standard route is also one of our longest days at almost 69 miles. The Day 5 layover is potentially the shortest day, o miles, if you opt to enjoy a day off in Apalachicola. Or you could ride, 20, 40 or 62 miles on the layover day. The last day back to Tallahassee has as a 50 and 34 miles optin. The 34 miles option is easily shortened to 29 if you need to get back quickly.
Q: What about my RV?
A: RVs will be accommodated at the host sites. There is parking lot space but NO hook ups available at this year’s host sites. Please contact Bike Florida staff at 352-224-8602 to let them know you will be bringing an RV and its size. Advance notice of your rig is greatly appreciated and you will need a vehicle permit ($25). Thank you.
Q:mWhat meals are included with each meal plan?
A: Riders may choose the meals that they prefer. You have the option of including all breakfasts and dinners, only breakfasts, only dinners or no meals at all. Please indicate on your registration whether you prefer standard or vegetarian meals. Lunches are always on your own.
Q: What are the road and trail surfaces like?
A: We ride mostly on roads. All roads are paved. Neighborhood streets may have the occasional pothole and there will be railroad crossings. The multi-use trails or bike paths we plan to use are also paved, although not many miles will be spent riding on these.
Q: What is the weeklong parking situation for vehicles being left in Tallahassee?
A: Cars that will be left in Tallahassee for the week will be parked at the North Fair grounds. Cars traveling with the event will need to have a vehicle permit, a fee of $25; this includes RVs. Parking at the Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road, 32301 is fenced and secure but we do not assume liability for your vehicle or its contents. Cars traveling with the tour are required to take a route other than the cycling route to further insure the safety of our riders.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: It is not advised. Please see our Dog Policy on this page.
Q: Can Minor Children Riders bicycle alone on the tour?
A: We welcome younger riders on the tour, and we want to make their safety the upmost importance. We require all riders under 18 to bike with biking parent/legal guardian or riding chaperone. They should always be within sight of each other.
Q: I want to stay in motels. Is that possible?
A. Yes. We provide Hotel Information. It is up to you to make your own motel arrangements. If you are staying at motels, we recommend you leave your big bag at the overnight facility and take what you need in a smaller bag on your bike to the motels. Padre’s Cycle Inn will offer Hotel Luggage Service (extra fee) and information regarding his service may be found on his web site.
Q: When do I have to start bicycling each day?
A: It’s up to you. Some people start out as soon as the sun comes up. Others take their time. We ask that everyone be on the road by 9 a.m. and that no cyclist leave before sunrise.
Q: How fast do I have to ride?
A: It’s up to you. This is a bicycle tour and there is no prize for getting to the next town first. There are many things to do and see on the route each day and you have all day to enjoy them.
Q: What happens if I have a mechanical breakdown on the road?
A: Flag down a SAG vehicle. There will be several official vehicles on the road and stationed at rest stops during the tour. Some will be radio-equipped; all will have cell phones, and can communicate with each other. SAGs have basic tools and pumps and can call a mechanic in case of serious breakdowns. You can also call the SAG Help phone number provided on your cue sheet.
Q: What does SAG stand for?
A: Some say "Support And Gear", others say “Support Aid Group” and there are those that make up their own meaning, a few of which are not worth repeating. No matter how you define SAG, all that matters is the SAG is there to help.
Q: I have a cell phone with me. If I see an accident, should I call the SAG Help line?
A: No. Call 911. Calling us wastes precious time. We have to get the information from you, which takes time, and then relay it. Errors or confusion can result. Calling 911 direct in an emergency is the quickest and best way to get help.
Q: What do I do if severe weather threatens?
A: If you are at the overnight site, immediately take cover inside. If you are on the road, get off your bike. Most bikes are metal and can conduct electricity. Seek shelter or crouch on the ground if necessary. In the case of lightning, trees are not good shelter.
Q: Is there a Daily Rider’s Meeting?
A: There will be a Daily Rider’s Meeting each evening around 7PM. The meeting will have updates on the next day’s route and any last minute route changes.
Q: Where can I go for questions during the tour?
A: Bike Florida headquarters will be located outside at each overnight facility, usually by the vendor area. Bike Florida staff, volunteers and the local Chamber of Commerce will be on hand to answer questions. Daily Itineraries, local maps and the next day’s route will be posted nearby, along with our tour Message Board.
Q: How can I get a message to another rider?
A: Message boards will be posted near the Bike Florida Headquarters.
Q: Do I need a helmet?
A: An approved ANSI or Snell helmet is strongly recommended. You’re smart to join this tour and we want you to come back again. Please wear your helmet!
